Reef Crystals Salt Mix Problems - Page 11

ZR1001 · 01/06/2010, 09:46 PM

Tcwayne,

Your setup looks sweet. I'm assuming that the top container is for RO water and the bottom one for salt water. How do you add your salt with so little clearance between the top of the lower barrel and the platform?

Thanks.

tcwayne · 01/07/2010, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZR1001

Tcwayne,

Your setup looks sweet. I'm assuming that the top container is for RO water and the bottom one for salt water. How do you add your salt with so little clearance between the top of the lower barrel and the platform?

Thanks.

You are correct and there is enough room to get my hand through with a cup. The lower barrel has an opening that I cut out and cover up while mixing. Originally i was going to use that elbow on the side but that would have been too messy. Thanks......

Back on topic..

wdt2000 · 01/07/2010, 09:29 PM

Well I used it in my dt and it does not appear to have caused any problems

ChrisKirkland · 01/08/2010, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdt2000

I just opened a new bag of RC and have a brown gunk collecting on the surface even with a good bit of flow in the surface area of the mixing container.

I have found that with a lot of surface movement and aeration, it helps to skim that gunk off making the water mostly clean underneath it, I have not tested the water after doing that though...

Glory71 · 01/08/2010, 10:16 PM

Both 200 and 160 gallon mix. Mg is quite low. I get only 1000 Mg reading per 30 gallon fresh mix. I use Salifert test kits. 380ppm Ca is ok but I prefer 410.

Lightsluvr · 01/09/2010, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glory71

Both 200 and 160 gallon mix. Mg is quite low. I get only 1000 Mg reading per 30 gallon fresh mix. I use Salifert test kits. 380ppm Ca is ok but I prefer 410.

What salinity are you mixing to?

LL

RBU1 · 01/09/2010, 06:28 AM

Well I have just switched to RC so I will keep an eye on this thread. I mixed up 50 gallons and so far it looks good. Fairly clear, no brown residue. I tested Alk at 11dkh and calcium around 400 last night.....Will do my first WC with it tomorrow.

Lightsluvr · 01/09/2010, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RBU1

Well I have just switched to RC so I will keep an eye on this thread. I mixed up 50 gallons and so far it looks good. Fairly clear, no brown residue. I tested Alk at 11dkh and calcium around 400 last night.....Will do my first WC with it tomorrow.

That's what I am getting when I mix to 1.026 SG. In addition, I get MG of 1350 when mixing to that salinity. The ALK is a little high, but acceptable.

I accumulate brown residue in my 65G mixing tank, but it doesn't cause me any problems other than appearance. About every three months, I take the tank into the back yard where I hit the inside with a power washer.

LL

Glory71 · 01/09/2010, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lightsluvr

What salinity are you mixing to?

LL

1.025 SG sir...and good question. I must admit that I only used it once though. It would be truly unfair to the rest of our fellow hobbyist and to the manufacturers of Reef Crystals themselves to emphatically conclude failure of their product. Maybe I just got a bad batch...I don't know. It may even be my test kit. My apologies to everyone. I should have been specific and careful with what I wrote as others might take it as an definitive fact or something that indicates a 'dismissible' product.

I used Reef Crystal way back in 2007 (bought four 160g bucket and two 200g cartoon from Dr. Foster and Smith). This batch (freshly mixed using RO water) gave me low Mg reading (1000ppm low - 1190 high). Ended up buying Seachem's Reef Advantage Magnesium to bring RC Mg up to favorable levels. After I finished all Reef Crystals, I went back to Tropic Marin again (started hobby with TM; tried to switch to RC in 2007 because of the price difference).

I also did get those brownish substance that sticks like coraline algae.

ChrisKirkland · 02/21/2010, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glory71

1.025 SG sir...and good question. I must admit that I only used it once though. It would be truly unfair to the rest of our fellow hobbyist and to the manufacturers of Reef Crystals themselves to emphatically conclude failure of their product. Maybe I just got a bad batch...I don't know. It may even be my test kit. My apologies to everyone. I should have been specific and careful with what I wrote as others might take it as an definitive fact or something that indicates a 'dismissible' product.

I used Reef Crystal way back in 2007 (bought four 160g bucket and two 200g cartoon from Dr. Foster and Smith). This batch (freshly mixed using RO water) gave me low Mg reading (1000ppm low - 1190 high). Ended up buying Seachem's Reef Advantage Magnesium to bring RC Mg up to favorable levels. After I finished all Reef Crystals, I went back to Tropic Marin again (started hobby with TM; tried to switch to RC in 2007 because of the price difference).

I also did get those brownish substance that sticks like coraline algae.

Anyone else tested any of the new 200 gallon box variety of RC?

Lightsluvr · 02/21/2010, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisKirkland

Anyone else tested any of the new 200 gallon box variety of RC?

I make 65G worth of it every week.

Mixing to 1.026 SG, I get 8.0 ALK, 420 CA and 1300 Mg out of the bag.

I get the brown accumulation on my saltwater mixing tank, but I just power wash it off every three months.

LL

burtonpj48 · 02/21/2010, 09:25 AM

[QUOTE=BLKTANG;15169004]I started out Reefkeeping with Oceanic some 7yrs ago,& have been using RC for the last 5.

If i get a bucket of RC that looks like that when i mix it,im gonna try H2Ocean.Ive been looking for an excuse anyway.[/QUOTE]

i have been using h2ocean for about a year now, its a good salt. I tried one bucket of reef crystal,to try and save money, it didnt last very long and i went back to h20cean. I like to use salt so i dont have to dose so much.

michealprater · 02/21/2010, 10:58 AM

Sorry guys, I only read the first 3 pages of the thread, it was just kind of an argument, so I did not go any further. I just wanted to post my comments.

I tried a bucket of RC recently because I needed some in a pinch and a buddy sold me a bucket. I had used Oceanic for a year prior to that. It did leave a very scummy brown film in my reservoir and I had a rust colored and red cyano out break. I believe it is an anti-caking agent or vitamins. Either way, I am now trying Instant Ocean. Crystal clear water in the reservoir so far, we will see if the cyano goes away.

ryanlala · 02/21/2010, 01:43 PM

I've had the same problem with RC in the last 6 months or so. When i set up my new 120 gallon i used RC just because my LFS was out of any other brand i wanted to use. I have had hair algae problems since day one. All i use is rodi water, and even after several water changes the problem is still there. Three weeks ago i was at the lfs and they had just gotten in a shipment of seachems new aquavitro line called salinity. I picked one up, came home did a 20% water chage. The next day the tank already started looking better. After 2, 20% water changes the algae is almost gone. I have to say i couldnt be happier with this new product.

Korrine · 02/21/2010, 02:13 PM

My old batch of RC used to have lower alk and calc levels when I tested it (mixed at 1.025 or 1.026). This batch is significantly better. I do have a LOT of white crud caking the bottom of my mixing bucket, though. A TON more than my last bucket.

I have used RC since March of 2009.

ChrisKirkland · 02/21/2010, 03:07 PM

Wow so it looks like RC has the same problems as it has had for the last 6 months of using it.

overklok · 02/21/2010, 04:18 PM

I mixed a batch of RC last week, and saw some rust colored stains on the inside of the bucket. First time for that.

ChrisKirkland · 02/21/2010, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overklok

I mixed a batch of RC last week, and saw some rust colored stains on the inside of the bucket. First time for that.

What was it the 50 gallon bag, 160 gallon bucket, or the 200 gallon box?

thenewone · 02/21/2010, 10:27 PM

man good info and all this is there any response from the rc people i would have thought they would have an excuse or something this is the biggest club of reefers around the world (i think) i would imagine this would just hurt there sales

ChrisKirkland · 02/21/2010, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thenewone

man good info and all this is there any response from the rc people i would have thought they would have an excuse or something this is the biggest club of reefers around the world (i think) i would imagine this would just hurt there sales

you know thats the funny thing there has been no response. and when you call to talk to them they still have no response.

thenewone · 02/21/2010, 10:41 PM

well thats just shows you that when a company get big they forget were the cash flow comes from

ChrisKirkland · 02/22/2010, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thenewone

well thats just shows you that when a company get big they forget were the cash flow comes from

very true I agree...

Znut Reefer · 02/27/2010, 04:55 PM

I have been using RC for a yr now with no problems. I bought 10 pails back when it was on sale at F&S. The only problem I have had is a couple pails the salt has harded in the pails. The pails seemed to be sealed. I mixed up 5 gals of each pail. I mixed it for 2 days and it was still very cloudy. The Specific Gravity was way off. I was using a refractor meter. I added 3 more 1/2 cups to the mix and still got a low reading. Needless to say I won't be adding this to my tank.

michealprater · 02/28/2010, 12:23 AM

Went to io and clear water with no scum in the reservoir...... Yay!

RBU1 · 02/28/2010, 08:53 AM

Well I just ordered 3 buckets of the new Seachem Salinity. I am a big fan of Seachem so I am going to try their new salt.

02/21/2010, 10:58 AM	#263
michealprater Angelfish Nerd Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Grantfork, IL Posts: 5,465 Blog Entries: 1	Sorry guys, I only read the first 3 pages of the thread, it was just kind of an argument, so I did not go any further. I just wanted to post my comments. I tried a bucket of RC recently because I needed some in a pinch and a buddy sold me a bucket. I had used Oceanic for a year prior to that. It did leave a very scummy brown film in my reservoir and I had a rust colored and red cyano out break. I believe it is an anti-caking agent or vitamins. Either way, I am now trying Instant Ocean. Crystal clear water in the reservoir so far, we will see if the cyano goes away. __________________ __________________________ Micheal Current Tank Info: 40 Gallon Breeder Reef

02/21/2010, 01:43 PM	#264
ryanlala Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Lake Jackson, TX Posts: 142	I've had the same problem with RC in the last 6 months or so. When i set up my new 120 gallon i used RC just because my LFS was out of any other brand i wanted to use. I have had hair algae problems since day one. All i use is rodi water, and even after several water changes the problem is still there. Three weeks ago i was at the lfs and they had just gotten in a shipment of seachems new aquavitro line called salinity. I picked one up, came home did a 20% water chage. The next day the tank already started looking better. After 2, 20% water changes the algae is almost gone. I have to say i couldnt be happier with this new product. __________________ Ryan anything cool costs alot of money.... Current Tank Info: 120g Marineland, 40g breeder sump, Vertex Alpha 170 skimmer, Mag 12 Pump, 2 MP 40s, 2 250watt DE MH in Lumen Max 3 Reflectors, 4 54watt t5s overdriven by icecap 660, and No Heat Problems!

02/21/2010, 02:13 PM	#265
Korrine You could get a ticket!! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Upper midwest Posts: 4,288 Blog Entries: 1	My old batch of RC used to have lower alk and calc levels when I tested it (mixed at 1.025 or 1.026). This batch is significantly better. I do have a LOT of white crud caking the bottom of my mixing bucket, though. A TON more than my last bucket. I have used RC since March of 2009. __________________ Try to keep in mind that we are all human...mistakes do happen! Be kinder than necessary because every one you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Current Tank Info: 40 breeder - started 9/2011 - platinum perc and sanjay's black photon clownfishes; sps and lps, and soft corals; 250w MH, 20 long sump w Bubble Magus Nac 3.5 skimmer 12g nano cube -serpent star, mini carpet anemones, w 6 sexy shrimp, 150w MH, maxi je

02/21/2010, 03:07 PM	#266
ChrisKirkland Reef and Coral Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Lexington, Ky. Posts: 1,739	Wow so it looks like RC has the same problems as it has had for the last 6 months of using it. __________________ Chris Kirkland Reef Nerd. Current Tank Info: Getting back into the hobby.

02/21/2010, 10:27 PM	#269
thenewone Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: houston tx Posts: 105	man good info and all this is there any response from the rc people i would have thought they would have an excuse or something this is the biggest club of reefers around the world (i think) i would imagine this would just hurt there sales __________________ whats another thing, please i promise it will be the last.... sike Current Tank Info: 90 gallon

01/06/2010, 09:46 PM	#251
ZR1001 Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Folsom, CA Posts: 359	Tcwayne, Your setup looks sweet. I'm assuming that the top container is for RO water and the bottom one for salt water. How do you add your salt with so little clearance between the top of the lower barrel and the platform? Thanks.

01/07/2010, 09:29 PM	#253
wdt2000 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Mills River NC Posts: 904	Well I used it in my dt and it does not appear to have caused any problems

01/08/2010, 10:16 PM	#255
Glory71 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: CT, USA Posts: 12	Both 200 and 160 gallon mix. Mg is quite low. I get only 1000 Mg reading per 30 gallon fresh mix. I use Salifert test kits. 380ppm Ca is ok but I prefer 410.

01/09/2010, 06:28 AM	#257
RBU1 Moving on Up Join Date: May 2004 Location: Southern NJ Posts: 5,167	Well I have just switched to RC so I will keep an eye on this thread. I mixed up 50 gallons and so far it looks good. Fairly clear, no brown residue. I tested Alk at 11dkh and calcium around 400 last night.....Will do my first WC with it tomorrow.

02/21/2010, 09:25 AM	#262
burtonpj48 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 79	[QUOTE=BLKTANG;15169004]I started out Reefkeeping with Oceanic some 7yrs ago,& have been using RC for the last 5. If i get a bucket of RC that looks like that when i mix it,im gonna try H2Ocean.Ive been looking for an excuse anyway.[/QUOTE] i have been using h2ocean for about a year now, its a good salt. I tried one bucket of reef crystal,to try and save money, it didnt last very long and i went back to h20cean. I like to use salt so i dont have to dose so much.

02/21/2010, 04:18 PM	#267
overklok Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 130	I mixed a batch of RC last week, and saw some rust colored stains on the inside of the bucket. First time for that.

02/21/2010, 10:41 PM	#271
thenewone Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: houston tx Posts: 105	well thats just shows you that when a company get big they forget were the cash flow comes from __________________ whats another thing, please i promise it will be the last.... sike Current Tank Info: 90 gallon

02/27/2010, 04:55 PM	#273
Znut Reefer Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Claxton, Ga Posts: 3,396	I have been using RC for a yr now with no problems. I bought 10 pails back when it was on sale at F&S. The only problem I have had is a couple pails the salt has harded in the pails. The pails seemed to be sealed. I mixed up 5 gals of each pail. I mixed it for 2 days and it was still very cloudy. The Specific Gravity was way off. I was using a refractor meter. I added 3 more 1/2 cups to the mix and still got a low reading. Needless to say I won't be adding this to my tank.

02/28/2010, 12:23 AM	#274
michealprater Angelfish Nerd Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Grantfork, IL Posts: 5,465 Blog Entries: 1	Went to io and clear water with no scum in the reservoir...... Yay! __________________ __________________________ Micheal Current Tank Info: 40 Gallon Breeder Reef

02/28/2010, 08:53 AM	#275
RBU1 Moving on Up Join Date: May 2004 Location: Southern NJ Posts: 5,167	Well I just ordered 3 buckets of the new Seachem Salinity. I am a big fan of Seachem so I am going to try their new salt.